The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Master Sergeant James Wayne Gough (AFSN: AF-19438148), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52D Fire Control Operator assigned to the 441st Bomber Squadron, 72nd Strategic Wing, Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, near Hanoi, North Vietnam, on 28 December 1972. On that date, Sergeant Gough provided an airborne defense against hostile interceptor aircraft and alerted the Aircraft Commander to potential missile threats as they occurred. His superior self-discipline, courage under fire, and technical competence were critical to the delivery of the weapons on the assigned target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Gough reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Senior Master SergeantAction Date:
November 17, 1972
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Senior Master Sergeant James Wayne Gough (AFSN: AF-19438148), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Squadron Fire Control Operator, B-52B, over North Vietnam on 17 November 1972. On that date, Sergeant Gough flew against and neutralized a key North Vietnamese logistical complex vital to the North Vietnamese offensive waged in South Vietnam. Despite extremely heavy enemy defenses and numerous equipment malfunctions, Sergeant Gough defended and helped direct his aircraft to a successful bomb release. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Gough reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Senior Master SergeantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 1972 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Senior Master Sergeant James Wayne Gough (AFSN: AF-19438148), United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1972 to March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Senior Master SergeantDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 28, 1972 – March 29, 1973
Senior Master Sergeant James Wayne Gough (AFSN: AF-19438148), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 28, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.